Bookish Briefing
November 2023 Edition; moody poems, loneliness, and a secret library...
Hello, and welcome to this month’s bookish goodness. Its the season of curling up with a good book, a warm blanket, and something hot to drink. Not forgetting the added bonus of hearing the rain and/or wind storming outside. There’s nothing quite like it. All titles are linked. So, without further ado…
Nour’s Secret Library by Wafa’ Tarnowska, illustrated by Vali Mintzi
From the blurb; ‘Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library. Based on the author’s own life experience and inspired by a true story, Nour’s Secret Library is about the power of books to heal, transport and create safe spaces during difficult times.’
I couple of years ago I read Syria’s Secret Library by Mike Thomson, which this picture book is inspired by, based on a remarkable true story ( highly recommended also!). A truly touching and beautifully written book with engaging illustrations. A good one to read with older children, be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the reality of war.
Quote; ‘Nour sighed. “I guess reading keeps everyone’s minds busy”, she said. “Books don’t fight with each other like people do”.
The Bronte Sisters- Selected Poems published by Crown Classics
From the blurb; ‘ A selection of poetry from the three Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne. Written in the wind-blasted moors surrounding the parsonage at Haworth where they grew up, their poetry is a passionate expression of themes of love and hope, fear and death.’
This Crown Classics edition has eye-catching jacket artwork by Allegra FitzHerbert, it includes a painting of the sisters inside with a solid introduction to their poetry (which isn’t too laborious). The Bronte’s gift for writing is on full display here, a masterclass in bringing words together. I found many of the poems in this collection quite melancholy and sad ( not surprising given their life experiences), but there is a lot of hope shining through.
O Come With Me by Emily Bronte
O come with me, thus ran the song,
The moon is bright in Autumn's sky,
And thou hast toiled and laboured long
With aching head and weary eye.
Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym
This was my first Barbara Pym novel and it won’t be my last. Her ability to observe the minutia of people’s lives and interactions through her writing is impressive. This particular story laid bare the loneliness many experience in later life, exacerbated by the lack of family, children or close relationships. There are some hard moments in this story, but it is worth reading for the reminder it gives to value and commit to building good relationships with others throughout our lives. Pym also manages to weave in laugh out loud moments and dry humour, which brings much needed light relief.
From the blurb; ‘In 1970s London, Edwin, Norman, Letty and Marcia work in the same office and suffer the same problem – loneliness.
Lovingly and with delightful humour, Barbara Pym conducts us through their day-to-day existence: their preoccupations, their irritations, their judgements, and – perhaps most keenly felt – their worries about having somehow missed out on life as post-war Britain shifted around them.’
Writers- Their Lives and Works by DK Publishing
From the blurb; From William Shakespeare and Jane Austen to Gabriel García Márquez and Toni Morrison, Writers explores more than 100 biographies of the world’s greatest writers. Each featured novelist, playwright, or poet is introduced by a stunning portrait, followed by photography and illustrations of locations and artifacts important in their lives – along with pages from original manuscripts, first editions, and their correspondence.
The portrait paintings and photographs of each writer throughout this stunningly presented hardback book were a definite highlight for me. I felt the balance of information alongside unique life details is done well here, not too much , just enough to get an overview of the writers life, loves and character. Unfortunately, many of the most culturally influential writers led tragic lives. This is something I plan to explore more. What is it that led some of these gifted writers to lean towards self-destruction (so to speak)?
‘The purpose of a writer is to keep civilisation from destroying itself’- Albert Camus
That’s all for this month :) As always I have a teetering pile of books on my bedside table waiting for me. Hope you are enjoying some richly rewarding reads this autumn season.
Feel free to comment below with your reading recommendations, it would be lovely to hear yours! Grace and peace to you.
Ishah x
Definitely want to get myself a copy of Writers - Their Lives and Works!!
Oh my, what a beautiful list! I'm currently reading Sarah Clarkson's "This Beautiful Truth," and I have Elizabeth Goudge staring at me.